Windsor

Leamington McDonald's closes following employee COVID-19 case

A McDonald's restaurant in Leamington is closing temporarily after an employee said they tested positive for COVID-19.

Company said the closure 'out of an abundance of caution'

The logo of a McDonald's Corp restaurant.
A McDonald's restaurant at 214 Talbot Street in Leamington is closed for cleaning after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, according to the company. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

A McDonald's restaurant in Leamington is closing temporarily after an employee said they tested positive for COVID-19. 

In a media statement, McDonald's Canada said on Monday an employee at the 214 Talbot Street location of the fast-food chain reported they tested positive for COVID-19.

The restaurant is now closed for cleaning and sanitation "out of an abundance of caution," according to the statement. 

The company said it will reopen as quickly and safely as possible.

All crew members who may have been in close contact with the employee have been asked to self-quarantine until further information is available. 

The employee worked their last shift on June 3 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The company asks anyone who may have visited the McDonalds on June 3 to take direction from public health experts. 

In an emailed statement to CBC News, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit said they do not discuss individual cases of COVID-19 to protect privacy of individuals and when there is a confirmed COVID-19 case in the community, they "inform the individual, conduct contact tracing, and to protect the community, have everyone self-isolate."

"In some cases, workplaces may choose to issue a news release to notify the public, but the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit does not discuss or confirm any particular case to maintain client confidentiality," a spokesperson for the health unit wrote. 

"Public health would notify the community if it is deemed necessary after an assessment of the situation and a risk to the public."

The health unit said there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food.

"Takeout food and food delivery are good options for prepared meals as physical distancing can be maintained. Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly before and after eating."

In April, another McDonald's location in Windsor closed after an employee there tested positive for COVID-19. 

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